Louisiana news

• 11 parishes without COVID-19 cases; officials expect that to change

  26-03-2020 21:24 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - As of Thursday afternoon, 53 of Louisiana's 64 parishes reported positive cases of coronavirus. That leaves 11 parishes without any confirmed cases. However, Gov. John Bel Edwards says that shouldn't lead residents to believe cases won't pop up there."I am encouraging everyone, no matter who you are or where you live to understand that this coronavirus is in your neighborhood," Edwards said. Cases across the state grew by 28 percent from Wednesday to Thursday. Edwards say
  
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• Restaurant gives back to servers as they are unemployed during stay-at-home order

  26-03-2020 20:27 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE- Restaurants are chillingly empty in the Capitol City after Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a statewide stay-at-home order due to the global virus outbreak.Louie's Cafe in Baton Rouge looks like a ghost town with chairs on top of the tables and few workers in sight.Owner Jimmy Wetherford is doing his part to support servers who are out of a job. He came up with an idea to prepare free meals for service workers."It's a gesture of hope, to hang in there," Wetherford said.To get the free
  
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• Grim outlook for for LA's oil & gas industry due to virus's impact

  26-03-2020 18:06 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The economic impact of the novel coronavirus and a global petroleum price war has brought the Louisiana oil and gas industry to its knees, and the price at the pump continues to drop.Though the low gas prices may seem like a short term win for consumers, it will ultimately draw a negative affect on communities and homes across Louisiana. As a way to provide a lifeline to those in the oil and gas industry, President Donald Trump wanted to top off funding for the Strategic
  
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• Two DOC employees test positive for coronavirus

  26-03-2020 17:45 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Two Louisiana Department of Corrections employees have tested positive for Coronavirus.They are the first confirmed cases in the DOC. They did not work at the same prisons.In a statement, the LDOC reports both employees have limited contact with inmates and other staff. They tested positive over the weekend are in self isolation at home. 32 inmates have been tested for coronavirus. All the of the results have come back negative.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Body reportedly found near Memorial Stadium in Baton Rouge

  26-03-2020 17:36 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - A body was discovered near a BREC facility along I-110 Thursday afternoon.The Baton Rouge Police Department said the person was found around 5 o'clock on Bay Street near N. 18th Street. The coroner has been called to the scene.No other details were immediately available. Permalink| Comments
  
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• How to report fraud related to the coronavirus

  26-03-2020 17:21 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Scammers might see a time like the coronavirus crisis as a prime opportunity to prey on people. The United States Department of Justice announced Monday it's making it a top priority to crack down on scams related to the coronavirus. U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana Brandon Fremin says innocent people have already become victims."We expect the worst of the worst to show themselves and take advantage of vulnerable populations, and we've already seen it,"
  
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• Cleco helps Louisiana College make face shields for local hospitals

  26-03-2020 17:21 via wbrz.com
  
  PINEVILLE - Cleco donated $1,500 to Louisiana College on Thursday to support the school's efforts in creating face shields for health care facilities.With a lot of health care facilities dealing with a shortage of supplies due to the coronavirus outbreak Assistant Professor of Egineering at Louisiana College, Dr. Natalie Maxey says, “We have a 3D printer and normally use it for our pre-engineering program, but it can print the materials needed to make face shields and masks.&rdquo
  
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• Crawfish Tracker: Prices stay low for another week

  26-03-2020 17:08 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Crawfish prices have stayed low since last week, making it just a little easier to stay cozy while you hunker down inside your home.According to WBRZ's Crawfish Price Index, the average cost of boiled crawdads is about $3.85 per pound in the capital area. Live crawfish will cost about $2.52 per pound on average. It's another small dip after prices took a plunge overall last week.The low for boiled crawfish is around $2.50 per pound, and several locations are selling them
  
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• SELU Admissions Office connecting with prospective students virtually

  26-03-2020 16:05 via wbrz.com
  
  HAMMOND - With all the closures brought upon by the novel coronavirus Southeastern Louisiana University’s Office of Admissions is finding new ways to stay connected with prospective students.To comply with the CDC guidelines and Gov. Edwards stay-at-home order events for prospective students in March and April have been cancelled. With all the cancellations happening SELU's Office of Admissions is keeping in touch with potential students virtually. The university wil
  
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• Portion of Springfield under boil water advisory

  26-03-2020 15:59 via wbrz.com
  
  LIVINGSTON PARISH - A precautionary boil advisory has been issued to a certain ares of Springfield in Livingston Parish.   About 400 customers South of I-12 to the north Corporate limits of the Town of Springfield are affected. This does not affect the Town of Springfield or the Village of French Settlement. Bacteriological samples will be collected on Friday and tested on Saturday.Permalink| Comments
  
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• Ascension Parish COVID-19 cases are fifth-highest in Louisiana

  26-03-2020 15:51 via wbrz.com
  
  GONZALES - The Ascension Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness is cautiously watching the numbers go up every day. The parish currently has the fifth-highest number of cases in Louisiana behind East Baton Rouge Parish.
   
  Cases went from 65 to 91 Thursday in Ascension.
   
  Rachael Wilkinson is the director at the OEP office. She said her team is working hard to monitor the numbers and supply resources where needed. This week, additional supplies were given to Chateau D&rsqu
  
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• Texas governor issues order for individuals flying in from New Orleans

  26-03-2020 15:17 via wbrz.com
  
  AUSTIN, Tx. - Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, has issued an executive order at a press conference on Thursday that requires anyone flying in from New Orleans to be quarantined for 14 days while they stay in Texas.   According to WWL-TV, anyone flying into Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Orleans will have to perform a 14 day quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19.The quarantine will be executed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Gov. Abbott said t
  
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• Convention hall to handle New Orleans virus patient overflow

  26-03-2020 14:57 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The number of known coronavirus cases in Louisiana jumped by more than 500 Thursday, surpassing 2,300, with 86 deaths, the state health department said.A 17-year-old was among the latest deaths, the first in the state of someone under 18.New Orleans continued to be a major center of COVID-19 worries. But cases also were up significantly in the opposite corner of the state. Northwest Louisiana’s Caddo Parish cases increased by 22, to 115;
  
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• Stocks rise sharply on Wall Street, heading for 3-day rally

  26-03-2020 14:35 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks marched higher on Wall Street Thursday, putting the market on track for its first three-day rally in six weeks, even as the astonishing scale of the downturn slamming the economy because of the coronavirus becomes more apparent.Nearly 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, easily shattering the prior record set in 1982, as layoffs and business shutdowns sweep across the country. The outbreak has happened so suddenly that Thursday&
  
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• Acadian Ambulance goes to New Orleans to help with COVID-19 pandemic

  26-03-2020 14:35 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Acadian Ambulance is sending crews to assist New Orleans.Acadian Ambulance posted a picture on Facebook of multiple Acadian Ambulance crews being sent out to help local authorities in New Orleans amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Permalink| Comments
  
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• USS KIDD Veteran Museum offering virtual tours amid temporary closure

  26-03-2020 13:56 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - With the USS KIDD Veterans Museum temporarily closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic they are offering something new on their website.A 3D tour of the forward section of the ship has been made available on the museum's website. This feature is a great way for "teachers, schoolchildren, history buffs and World War II enthusiasts, and the general public to visit USS KIDD from home," says Executive Director, Rosehn Gipe. The ship is a Fletcher class destroyer th
  
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• Teen in Orleans Parish is youngest person to die from coronavirus in La.

  26-03-2020 13:28 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS - The Department of Health says a 17-year-old is the first person under the age of 36 to die from coronavirus in Louisiana.The teen's death was reported in Orleans Parish Thursday. The department did not immediately share other details about the teenager or whether the victim had any pre-existing conditions. He is one of 83 people in the state killed by the virus as of Thursday afternoon.More details on Louisiana's coronavirus cases can be found here: https://www.wbrz.com/n
  
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• US indicts Venezuelas Maduro on narcoterrorism charges

  26-03-2020 13:25 via wbrz.com
  
  MIAMI (AP) — Nicolás Maduro effectively converted Venezuela into a criminal enterprise at the service of drug traffickers and terrorist groups as he and his allies stole billions from the South American country, the Justice Department charged in several indictments against the embattled socialist and his inner circle that were made public Thursday.One indictment by prosecutors in New York accused Maduro and socialist party boss Diosdado Cabello of conspiring with Colombian
  
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• New Orleans homeless population to relocate to French Quarter hotel

  26-03-2020 13:08 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW ORLEANS – City and state officials collaborated in a plan to move members of New Orleans’ homeless population off the streets and into a 155-hotel in the Central Business district.According to WWL-TV the general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn- New Orleans French Quarter confirmed that officials are working to start moving people in groups of 35 from encampments and house and feed them for the next 30 days.The money to fund the process comes from a combination of federa
  
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• LSUPD responding to reported armed robbery

  26-03-2020 13:08 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Campus police is responding to a reported armed robbery Thursday afternoon.Around 12:40 p.m. LSUPD arrived near the intersection of Highland Road and Aster St.LSUPD: Reported Armed Robbery near the interseciton of Highland Rd and Aster St. Police are on scene, use caution if in the area.— LSU (@LSU) March 26, 2020Permalink| Comments
  
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• Armed robbery reported on LSU campus Thursday

  26-03-2020 13:08 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - The LSU Police Department responded to a reported armed robbery Thursday afternoon.The crime was reported around 12:40 p.m. near the intersection of Highland Road and Aster Street. No other details about the incident were immediately available.LSUPD: Reported Armed Robbery near the interseciton of Highland Rd and Aster St. Police are on scene, use caution if in the area.— LSU (@LSU) March 26, 2020LSU's campus is currently closed as the university moves all of its courses
  
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• California officials investigate death of teen diagnosed with coronavirus

  26-03-2020 12:03 via wbrz.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles County health officials backtracked Tuesday on their announcement that a child died from coronavirus, saying it’s possible the death was caused by something else.During their daily briefing, the county health department said the unidentified child from the city of Lancaster was among four new deaths.Hours later, after Gov. Gavin Newsom had cited the death of the teenager as evidence the virus can strike anyone, the county issued a new statement
  
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• Powerball game adjustments include $20 million starting jackpot

  26-03-2020 11:49 via wbrz.com
  
  The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) that operates Powerball and the Louisiana Lottery, announced temporary game changes in response to changing player participation amid the COVID-19 emergency.Following the next jackpot win, Powerball’s starting jackpot will reset to a guaranteed $20 million (annuity prize) with minimum roll increases of $2 million between drawings. Previously, the starting jackpot was $40 million with a $10 million minimum increase between rolls.“Eve
  
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• EBR paramedics issue stern reminder about when to call 911

  26-03-2020 11:45 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Paramedics reminded people about the nature of necessary 911 calls Thursday amid soaring call volumes.East Baton Rouge EMS asked people to not call the help number for non-emergencies.  Instead, paramedics remind callers the nature of 911 calls should be for help in life-threatening situations: cardiac arrest, unconsciousness, stroke, heart attacks, seizures and other critical conditions.“If a caller is found to have non-life threatening symptoms potent
  
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• EBR EMS urges public to avoid calling 911 for non-emergencies

  26-03-2020 11:34 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - East Baton Rouge EMS is advising the public to refrain from calling 911 for non-emergencies. The public should call 911 for life-threatening situations, such as cardiac arrest, unconsciousness, stroke, heart attacks, seizures and other critical conditions. “If a caller is found to have non-life threatening symptoms potentially related to COVID-19, the medics will assess the patient and contact a healthcare provider for instruction,” said EMS S
  
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• Congressman warns small businesses owners of possible duplicating loan process

  26-03-2020 11:26 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE - Small business owners have had about a week now to apply for low-interest SBA loans up to $2 million that can be paid off over thirty years.Scott Russell, who owns Orange Theory Fitness in Town Center, says he’s hit a snag in the online loan process. This delay comes as another possible resource for him and other business owners are in the works.“You have to understand it, but understanding it does not take away the frustration,” Rus
  
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• Half-million infected worldwide as economic toll rises

  26-03-2020 11:12 via wbrz.com
  
  The human and economic toll of the lockdowns against the coronavirus mounted Thursday as India struggled to feed the multitudes, Italy shut down most of its industry, and a record-shattering 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits in a single week. The U.S. surpassed official Chinese government numbers to become the country with most reported infections.As the number of cases worldwide topped a half-million and deaths climbed past 24,000, the damage to people&a
  
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• Nearly 3.3 million Americans are seeking unemployment benefits

  26-03-2020 11:06 via wbrz.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — nearly five times the previous record set in 1982 — amid a widespread economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus.The surge in weekly applications was a stunning reflection of the damage the viral outbreak is inflicting on the economy. Filings for unemployment aid generally reflect the pace of layoffs.Layoffs are sure to accelerateas the U.S. economy sinks into a recession.
  
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• Trudeau names Canada's next ambassador to the US

  26-03-2020 09:46 via wbrz.com
  
  Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, has announced that Kirsten Hillman will become the country's top representative in Washington.Trudeau broke the news via Twitter, Thursday morning.Hillman had been serving as Canada's acting ambassador to the United States and will now continue her duties on a permanent basis.As our next Ambassador to the US, @KirstenHillmanA will build on the strong relationship between our two countries. And at a time when all countries must work together to fight
  
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• WATCH LIVE: EBR Mayor to update public on PPE transfer and distribution site Thursday

  26-03-2020 09:30 via wbrz.com
  
  EAST BATON ROUGE – On Thursday, the fourth day of the statewide stay-at-home directive, EBR Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome will provide parish residents with the latest information on the community-driven PPE transfer and distribution site, which has been created to support local hospitals and first responders.WATCH LIVE AROUND 11 A.M. HEREMayor Broome will be addressing the media alongside representatives from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Baton Rouge Area Foundation and repres
  
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• EBR to open distribution site to provide hospitals more personal protective equipment

  26-03-2020 09:30 via wbrz.com
  
  EAST BATON ROUGE – On Thursday, EBR Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and city officials announced the launch of a new community-driven PPE transfer and distribution site, which has been created to support local hospitals and first responders."We are here because we have a crises. We have a crises in the shortage of critical equipment," said John Spain with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.In an effort to get, and distribute supplies like masks and gloves to hospitals, city official
  
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• EBR setting up donation drive for medical businesses to give hospital equipment

  26-03-2020 09:30 via wbrz.com
  
  EAST BATON ROUGE – On Thursday, the fourth day of the statewide stay-at-home directive, EBR Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome will provide parish residents with the latest information on the community-driven PPE transfer and distribution site, which has been created to support local hospitals and first responders.WATCH LIVE AROUND 11 A.M. HEREMayor Broome will be addressing the media alongside representatives from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Baton Rouge Area Foundation and repres
  
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• EBR Mayor to update public on PPE Transfer site, Thursday

  26-03-2020 09:30 via wbrz.com
  
  EAST BATON ROUGE – On Thursday, the fourth day of the statewide stay-at-home directive, EBR Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome will provide parish residents with the latest information on the community-driven PPE transfer and distribution site, which has been created to support local hospitals and first responders.Mayor Broome will be addressing the media alongside representatives from the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, Baton Rouge Area Foundation and representatives from several local h
  
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• La Policy Institute for Children: Only 11% of closed early care facilities guarantee they can reopen

  26-03-2020 08:43 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children (LPIC) says national data related to the functioning of America's early child care sector following the coronvirus pandemic is grave.This is why the organization is circulating its own survey in hopes of gathering data designed to clarify just how much of an impact the spread of novel coronavirus is having on child care providers in Louisiana.This information will be analyzed and its findings used to suggest adjustments to poli
  
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• Many businesses cautious about reopening amid virus

  26-03-2020 07:24 via wbrz.com
  
  PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — President Donald Trump wants the country open for business by mid-April, but some experts warn it’s not as easy as flipping a switch: Economies run on confidence, and that is likely to be in short supply for as long as coronavirus cases in the United States are still rising.Trump this week said he wants businesses “opened up and just raring to go by Easter,” which falls on April 12. That contradicts many public health experts, who
  
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• Florida town uses 'smart thermometers' to anticipate virus hotspots

  26-03-2020 06:54 via wbrz.com
  
  ST. AUGUSTINE – John Regan is the city manager of America’s oldest city and he's used to hosting droves of tourists from around the country, most of them eager to enjoy St. Augustine’s tranquil beaches.But when the spread of novel coronavirus brought the Floridia city’s thriving tourist industry to a screeching halt, Regan devised a plan to help officials get ahead of the outbreak.According to ABC news, Regan struck a deal with Kinsa, a Silicon Valley-bas
  
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• The University of Louisiana at Lafayette confirms one virus case among students

  26-03-2020 06:11 via wbrz.com
  
  LAFAYETTE – The University of Louisiana at Lafayette confirmed that one of its students tested positive for novel coronavirus, Wednesday.The school issued a university-wide statement Wednesday offering additional details about the case. Dr. Joseph Savoie, University President, said the student does not live on campus and was not a student resident this semester.The notice went on to say the student was asymptomatic while on campus, which seems to suggest a reduced chance of their abil
  
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• Stuart Gordon, cult classic horror director, passes away at 72

  26-03-2020 05:47 via wbrz.com
  
  Stuart Gordon, known as the filmmaker behind cult classics such as Re-Animator and From Beyond passed away as a result of multiple organ failure, Tuesday night.Variety reports that Gordon's family confirmed the news.Gordon was also known as the co-creator of the Honey I Shrunk the Kids franchise and received praise for directing LA theatre productions such as Nevermore...An Evening with Edgar Allen Poe.He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Purdy-Gordon, three daughters, and four grandchildren.Gor
  
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• US deaths top 1,000 as $2.2 trillion in virus aid approved

  26-03-2020 05:04 via wbrz.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. deaths from the coronavirus pandemic topped 1,000 in another grim milestone for a global outbreak that is taking lives and wreaking havoc on economies and the established routines of ordinary life.In a recognition of the scale of the threat, the U.S. Senate late Wednesday passed an unparalleled $2.2 trillion economic rescue package steering aid to businesses, workers and health care systems.The unanimous vote came despite misgivings on both sides about whether it
  
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• Chalmette man killed in motorcycle crash Wednesday morning

  26-03-2020 04:53 via wbrz.com
  
  ST. BERNARD PARISH – On Wednesday morning, Louisiana State Police responded to a fatal single-vehicle crash involving a motorcyclist on LA 46.Police say 52-year-old Ronald Besendorfer, a resident of Chalmette, had been driving his 2008 Harley Davidson along LA 46 east near LA 300 in St. Bernard Parish when he ran off the road and was ejected from the bike.Besendorfer, who wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on th
  
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• Increased testing shows ballooning virus cases in Louisiana

  26-03-2020 04:22 via wbrz.com
  
  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana scrambled to ready makeshift hospitals and track down ventilators as the steady uptick of coronavirus cases continued Wednesday in a state that had already been one of the most infected per capita.Nearly 1,800 people in the state were confirmed to have the COVID-19 disease caused by the coronavirus, according to figures from Louisiana’s health department, an increase of 400 from the previous day. Sixty-five Louisiana residents have died, onl
  
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